Oso merges the drama of Bowie, the grooves of Sublime, and the epic sonic landscapes of Pink Floyd and Radiohead to create a fresh, new, genre-bending sound.
“The Bellringer” has a distinct California flavor. There’s a mesh of funk and reggae à la Sublime, but with heavy emphasis on vocal harmonies and deceptively simple chord and key changes. Rollicking melodies and groovy bass lines, accompanied by Schaller’s distinct vocal stylings, permeate the album, while lyrics tend to gravitate toward the stereotypical indulgent Los Angeles lifestyle."
-Philadelphia Weekly
See the full PW article and listen to the podcast here:
"They may be called Oso (which means “bear” in Spanish), but it doesn’t make them as fierce as a grizzly. If anything, their sound is as chill as a polar bear. The band combines funky fresh beats with smooth roots rock that could solicit mass ear appeal."
-The Deli Magazine
"Oso melds the funky quirkiness of bands like CAKE, with the neo punk meets hippie jams of acts like Fishbone and Sublime, and then inserts some all out weirdness ala' the Butthole Surfers. This Philly band has more of a west coast surfer feel, but has the musical ability, and a certain catchiness to their lyrics that they will be able to make music fans of all genres take notice."
-Y-Rock
"Philadelphia rock quartet Oso have come up with a great debut release that incorporates a blend of reggae, funk and indie rock with a nice dose of instrumental noodling. With too much songwriting depth to be considered just another jam-band, Oso presents music that is instantly listenable, with hooks that stay in your head long after the disc has ended. Strong compositions and vocals from frontman Mike Schaller carry the day here, with some making comparisons between this band and Sublime, Cake or Radiohead. With ten tracks that flow together seamlessly, "The Bellringer" is a great debut album from this promising young act - and one that will no doubt leave the listener longing for their follow-up."
-West Chester Daily Local
"On their debut full-length effort entitled The Bellringer, the Philadelphia rock quartet Oso have produced a pleasing blend of reggae, funk and indie rock with just a hint of West Coast punk sensibilities and jam band noodling. Things get most interesting on both the introspective closing track "The Final Call," which sounds as if a '70s folk musician was tinkering in Radiohead's studio, as well as the more rocking "Checkmate," which speeds along at a nice clip before it erupts into a symphonic, sonic jam by the end of the song. All in all, Oso's The Bellringer is a fine album from a new and promising young act - and one that will no doubt help jump start your next backyard bash this summer. "
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Thanks for the add, I am really liking what I hear. And I am pretty sure it's ironic you have a bass player that has the same name as the bass player of Phish. Probably hear that one a lot. Great music. Keep up the good work!
One more question for ya. By any chance would you be interested in hosting an Indie on the Move banner on your myspace page or website to help us promote?
I heard "checkmate" on WSTW's Hometown Heroes last night, I'm glad more people are getting to hear your music finally! See you guys at the release party!
